Belgium – Order of the Crown, grand cross

Description

The Order was instituted in 1897, initially as an award of the Belgian Congo.  In 1908 the Order became also a Belgian order, given to recognize service to the Belgian state, both civil and military, and may be awarded to both Belgian nationals and foreign citizens. Five-armed white enamel and silver-gilt Maltese cross with silver-gilt graduated rays between the arms, on green enamel oval laurel wreath suspension.

The face with a gilt-edged circular central blue enamel medallion bearing the gilt crown of Belgium. The reverse with a gilt-edged circular central blue enamel medallion bearing the cipher of King Leopold II, founder of the Order.

Large ten-pointed rayed silver gilt and diamond facets silver star with the badge imposed centrally. Comes with original sash and case.